Simon Fraser University
Counselling Psychology: Master of Education, Master of Arts

 

Next Admissions deadline is January 15, 2010 for a September 2010 program start

 

What this program is about...

 

The Counselling Psychology Program is part of the Education Faculty at Simon Fraser University.  We offer two distinct sequences at the master's level:  one leading to a Master's of Arts (MA Counselling) and the other to a Master's of Education (MEd Counselling).

 

The MA sequence is a more broadly conceived course of study designed to meet the educational needs of counsellors who might practice in a variety of settings, ranging from community-based agencies, to schools, to post-secondary institutions.  It has a fewer minimum course requirements.  The MA student is required to produce and defend a thesis based on scholarly research.  There is no comprehensive exam requirement for the MA student. The MEd is a professional degree designed for students interested in pursuing a career in educational settings.  The MEd requires more coursework than the MA.  In addition to the successful completion of the course work and practicum requirements, the MEd student must pass a comprehensive examination that includes a portfolio assessment. MEd Students must normally complete their practicum in an educational setting (i.e. primary, secondary or post-secondary).

Which prerequisites are necessary...

A Bachelor degree with a standing of a 3.0 CGPA (or B average) will normally be required for admissions. Successful completion of EDUC 323-3 Introduction to Counselling Theories and EDUC 423-4 Helping Relationships.

 

Applicants are advised to be working toward completion of the undergraduate Minor in Counselling and Human Development or equivalent coursework. See Policies and Procedures.

 

Students in the Counselling Psychology Program who wish to transfer from the MEd degree to the MA degree must have completed core course requirements for the MA program plus courses that relate to the topic of the proposed MA thesis.

They will present a thesis proposal of approximately 25 pages (APA manuscript format) for review to the faculty members in the program they wish to invite to be the senior supervisor and member(s) of the thesis committee. The thesis proposal will include: a description of the topic to be investigated; an analysis of theoretical and, as appropriate, practical significance of the research to counselling psychology; a scholarly review of key literature; a description of methods for carrying out the investigation; an account of resources required to complete the investigation (e.g., participants, computer technologies, information resources beyond those held by the SFU library); a schedule of milestones in the investigation; and, a timeline for completing courses and thesis in the MA program. If the thesis proposal is approved by the nominated senior supervisor and member(s) of the thesis committee, transfer from the MEd degree to the MA degree will be effected once the appropriate form is filed with and is approved by the Director of Graduate Programs.

 

Which degree is appropriate...

We do not see differences in quality or the amount of work associated with these programs. The decision rests in part with the chosen career path of the student and whether there is a desire, at some future date, to continue the formal education towards a doctoral degree. Most employers make no distinction between the MA and MEd degrees when they select staff. Practicum placements and populations worked with are always considered relevant in any employment situation. Also, the MEd is considered a terminal degree in that it contains no opportunity for original research. On the other hand, the MA should be considered for those applicants who may choose to go on to a doctoral degree in the future. Most universities prefer students who have research experience and who have defended a thesis when they select candidates for a doctoral program. Completing a thesis provides the student with an opportunity to develop a significant depth of expertise in the selected research topic.

How the program is structured...

Eligibility for MA degree

The MA program is designed for students interested in careers as counsellors in schools, colleges, and community agencies.  Students pursue a general program with opportunities for specialization provided in course work and field work.
 
Program Requirements

All students must complete 40 units of coursework, including the core requirements listed below.
 
MA Core

EDUC 799-3 Supervised Counselling Clinic I
EDUC 800-3 Supervised Counselling Clinic II
EDUC 801-3 Counselling Practicum I
EDUC 802-3 Counselling Practicum II
EDUC 862-4 Individual Assessment Procedures
EDUC 870-5 Theories of Counselling
EDUC 872-3 Ethics in Counselling
EDUC 874-5 Counselling Skills and Strategies
EDUC 878-5 Group Counselling


 
MA students must also complete one methodology research course selected with the senior supervisor.  

EDUC 863-5 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 864-5 Research Designs in Education
EDUC 866-5 Advanced Qualitative Research in Education
EDUC 867-5 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 975-4 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 898-10 Master's Thesis

 


In addition, MA students must complete a minimum of one elective course selected in consultation with the senior supervisor.  Electives may be selected from the MA/MEd electives list.
 
Eligibility for MEd degree

The MEd program is designed for students who wish to become counsellors in educational settings.
 
Program Requirements

All students must complete 45 units of coursework including the core requirements listed below:
 
MEd Core

EDUC 799-3 Supervised Counselling Clinic I
EDUC 800-3 Supervised Counselling Clinic II
EDUC 801-3 Counselling Practicum I
EDUC 802-3 Counselling Practicum II
EDUC 862-4 Individual Assessment Procedures
EDUC 864-5 Research Designs in Education
EDUC 870-5 Theories of Counselling
EDUC 872-3 Ethics in Counselling
EDUC 874-5 Counselling Skills and Strategies
EDUC 877-4 Contemporary School Counselling
EDUC 878-5 Group Counselling
EDUC 883-5
MEd Comprehensive Examination.

Students take a comprehensive examination (EDUC 883-5) after the completion of the course work and supervised field experiences.  The examination will be set by the faculty members associated with the program, in association with the coordinator, and will include a written and practical component.


 
In addition, MEd students must complete a minimum of one elective course selected in consultation with the senior supervisor. Electives may be selected from the MA/MEd electives list.
 
 
MA/MEd Electives (available to both MA and MEd degree routes)

EDUC 803-5 Educational Program Supervision
EDUC 805-5 Social Development in the School Context
EDUC 819-5 Studies in Teacher-Student Interaction
EDUC 822-5 Evaluation of Educational Programs
EDUC 829-5 Contemporary Issues in Learning Disabilities
EDUC 833-5 Seminar in Social and Moral Philosophy and Education
EDUC 860-3 Foundations of Educational Psychology
EDUC 863-5 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 866-5 Advanced Qualitative Research in Education
EDUC 867-5 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 871-4 Family Counselling
EDUC 873-4 Vocational Counselling
EDUC 876-5 Cognitive Intervention Research
EDUC 970-4 Systems and Paradigms in Educational Psychology

EDUC 975-4

Advanced Quantitative Methods in Educational Research

 

The program faculty are ...

How to apply for admissions...

Online application system open from November 15, 2009 to January 15, 2010.

What financial support is available...

Outstanding applicants may be offered financial assistance in the form of an entrance Graduate Fellowship in the amount of $6250. Applicants should note, however, that the number of such fellowships is limited. Additional financial resources can include scholarships and bursuries as well as part-time employment as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA). Information on graduate financial aid and other useful links are available at the University's main information source for graduate students,

Program Fees are...

Tuition - $1565.50/term


Recreation/Athletics - $64.36
Student Activity - $60.65
Student Services - $38.62
Graduation(first 6 terms) - $6.00
Universal Transit Pass - $104.36
Sub-total - $1839.59

Extended Health* - $59.76
Dental* - $67.90
Total - $1967.25

*If students have existing extended health/dental coverage, an opt out
process is available. See www.sfsbenefits.com for deadlines.

Tuition is reduced to $782.80/term after 6 terms for Masters students and 8 terms for PhD students. All other costs remain the same each term.

On leave fee $197.50/term

Fees are subject to change annually.

 

 

The Current Students are...

 

 

Resources are...

  • Associations and Conferences
  • Gallery
  • Alumni

FAQs

 

 

 

Contact us

For graduate admissions / course registration contact Brenda duPerron (educmast@sfu.ca); Tel: 778-782-4215; Fax: 778-782-4320.


For academic queries contact Michelle Mann (mann@sfu.ca) 778-782-3459.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated November 13, 2009 FOE